Northumberland Line reopening: progress updates

[nerdowell]

Tbf i think Northumberland CC was also being extremely optimistic with the timescales for this kind of project, if you look back it was meant to be open in 2023, then early 2024 now late 2024 (The cynic in me believes they were banking on a November Election this year to use the line as a "Look what we did, we gave you railways!" but the old PM screwed the pooch along with all parties (sans Jeff Reid) being in favour of the reopening/woring towards it lol).

 

[androdas]

Tbf i think Northumberland CC was also being extremely optimistic with the timescales for this kind of project, if you look back it was meant to be open in 2023, then early 2024 now late 2024 (The cynic in me believes they were banking on a November Election this year to use the line as a "Look what we did, we gave you railways!" but the old PM screwed the pooch along with all parties (sans Jeff Reid) being in favour of the reopening/woring towards it lol).

To be fair there is not a lot Jeff Reid doesn't oppose lol!

The problem with Northumberland CC is that since it became unitary it has been a 3 way marginal between Labour/Lib Dem/Tory with each having a go at being in charge so there is not a great deal of long term planning as they are always thinking about the next election.

With the county being so large the areas are also quite different so what is a priority in the SE is not necessarily what is a priority in the Tyne Valley or the North.

 

[StoneRoad]

I'm not too surprised being local to Seaton Delaval. Can't comment on other stations, but it got delayed for months, pretty much straight away, because of a newt problem then when they got started it rained for weeks and was a pond.

I know Bedlington Station is delayed partly due to utility issues aswell and anyone local in the North East knows how incompetent they are, especially the farce of Killingworth Road near South Gosforth which took nearly 2 years to build a bus lane, pretty much.

BiB - a job that was way more complex than you have implied.
If it's the place I think you mean, it involved some serious earthworks and the replacement of a quite long viaduct, which did remove a narrow to the road section and the span of which also went over the Ouse Burn - whilst minimising disruption to the intensive Metro services. It did royally mess with road traffic as I was visiting the Freeman during that period !

 

[Snex]

BiB - a job that was way more complex than you have implied.
If it's the place I think you mean, it involved some serious earthworks and the replacement of a quite long viaduct, which did remove a narrow to the road section and the span of which also went over the Ouse Burn - whilst minimising disruption to the intensive Metro services. It did royally mess with road traffic as I was visiting the Freeman during that period !

Yeah it is that one, the actual road works didn't actually take long, if I'm correct. It was the gas works that delayed things big time. The Metro side was delivered very well, credit where credits due.

According to Senrug on one of their latest posts there's been similar problems but with an unmapped water main this time at Bedlington.

It still shouldn't have been anywhere near a 2 year project though as much as I can understand where you're coming from with the understatement - wasn't intentional.

 

[StoneRoad]

Yeah it is that one, the actual road works didn't actually take long, if I'm correct. It was the gas works that delayed things big time. The Metro side was delivered very well, credit where credits due.

According to Senrug on one of their latest posts there's been similar problems but with an unmapped water main this time at Bedlington.

It still shouldn't have been anywhere near a 2 year project though as much as I can understand where you're coming from with the understatement - wasn't intentional.

OK, I know that trying to get confirmed routes for utilities such as Gas can be a bit of a nightmare. Or, tbh, trying to get the utility companies to co-operate / co-ordinate on any sort of works ...

I still remember a story about some gas main work, one hole was open for so long that the locals sang "happy birthday" to it. It was very awkwardly placed, at a busy road junction !

 

[swt_passenger]

Isn’t one of the standard reasons for delays to work ‘unknown mine workings’? It’s hard to see how you can blame that on the county council.

 

[androdas]

I have noticed a few of the test trains in the last couple of days have ran with class 156 such as this one https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:N26047/2024-08-16/detailed#allox_id=0 and it does seem to be able to keep time which is positive. I know that there is the caveat of these being test trains with no load and no proper station dwells but it does seem that the timetable can be ran with 156's if there are no 158's available without causing too much chaos.

 

[swt_passenger]

I have noticed a few of the test trains in the last couple of days have ran with class 156 such as this one https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:N26047/2024-08-16/detailed#allox_id=0 and it does seem to be able to keep time which is positive. I know that there is the caveat of these being test trains with no load and no proper station dwells but it does seem that the timetable can be ran with 156's if there are no 158's available without causing too much chaos.

That reminded me, I noticed on Tuesday the down ‘test train’ 3T35 was held for about 10 mins between Benton North and Benton East junctions, because a slightly early running freight, 6N87 Lynemouth to Tyne Coal Terminal, appears to have been given priority through the single line section through Northumberland Park.

I assume though that once the passenger service starts then the option of running a freight a few minutes early will not be possible, they’ll have to get used to them running right time?

Here’s a link to RTT for the times at Benton East (which will go stale in a few days):

Realtime Trains | Departures from Benton East Junction around 1400 on 13/08/2024

Train information at Benton East Junction around 1400 on 13/08/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[androdas]

Now the line is open 24 hours a day (Previously I beleive the signal boxes closed between around 9.30pm until 6am and all day Sunday) I wonder if there is not more scope for the biomass trains to run overnight and Sundays. The power station is staffed 24/7, 365 days a week so presumably the only thing stopping the trains running 'out of hours' before were the signal box opening times.

When the line opens I would hope the passenger trains would take priority otherwise the whole thing will be a non starter if the trains are regularly delayed waiting for freight as the main selling point is that it will be a faster link into Newcastle than the current buses or cars during rush hour traffic.

 

[nerdowell]

Now the line is open 24 hours a day (Previously I beleive the signal boxes closed between around 9.30pm until 6am and all day Sunday) I wonder if there is not more scope for the biomass trains to run overnight and Sundays. The power station is staffed 24/7, 365 days a week so presumably the only thing stopping the trains running 'out of hours' before were the signal box opening times.

I think it was midnight through six AM it was closed, when i lived in Bedlington Station i'd go to sleep with a late running train between 10 and midnight and wake up with one at 6 am sometimes lol (Least it flt like that)

 

[IanXC]

It's bad how delayed the reopening of the stations on this line. It's not necessarily that important to myself though as I live in Edinburgh so theoretically if I wanted to get to Ashington I would just get the train to Morpeth and then get a bus to Ashington. It might be nice to use the line to visit Seaton Delaval Hall from Newcastle though once Seaton Delaval Station opens.

Not sure what you're getting at as, when passenger services start Seaton Delaval will be open?

 

[Killingworth]

Had a look at Newsham and Bebside today. Newsham may be open this year but there's still a great deal to do before it's finished. Bebside is clearly going to take longer.

However for anyone wanting a nice new house close to a station with half hourly trains into Newcastle, and good bus and road connections too, this adjacent housing development to Newsham looks good value, especially by southern standards. https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-h...Tlzxron6k_4gwvL0hUASRBPHbMNbD-0BoCir8QAvD_BwE

 

[swt_passenger]

I just had a quick look at RTT to see if test/training runs were happening, do the achieved times suggest that they are now making stops and starts at all the stations, ie not just those opening in the first phase. I think when I looked a few weeks back the times recorded suggested they were running straight through the stations.

Er, best add a link, here’s today’s 3T29:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:N25968/2024-09-13/detailed#allox_id=0

 

[androdas]

I just had a quick look at RTT to see if test/training runs were happening, do the achieved times suggest that they are now making stops and starts at all the stations, ie not just those opening in the first phase. I think when I looked a few weeks back the times recorded suggested they were running straight through the stations.

Er, best add a link, here’s today’s 3T29:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:N25968/2024-09-13/detailed#allox_id=0

The only one I have observed is at Bedlington, they do stop briefly but dont open doors (Probably as Bedlington doesnt have platforms yet!)

 

[swt_passenger]

The only one I have observed is at Bedlington, they do stop briefly but dont open doors (Probably as Bedlington doesnt have platforms yet!)

As a separate subject, I was wondering if you knew if all the level crossings were now working in their final condition, and has the demolition of the boxes, such as Marchey’s House, started yet?

 

[59CosG95]

As a separate subject, I was wondering if you knew if all the level crossings were now working in their final condition, and has the demolition of the boxes, such as Marchey’s House, started yet?

I know Newsham definitely hasn't been demolished yet, but I'll have to find out about Marchey's House!

 

[kez19]

The only one I have observed is at Bedlington, they do stop briefly but dont open doors (Probably as Bedlington doesnt have platforms yet!)

In terms of Bedlington, shouldn't this be a priority if its to open by December this year? (going by their website here), for the creators behind this line why was there not teams working all the way? ie have people working at the designated spots would this not have opened this quicker? (I admit I don't know the ins/outs of how this works but you would think it would be possible?)

and as I written this question https://www.northumberlandline.uk/post/weekend-overnight-works-at-bedlington (this appeared in last few minutes...) .. just putting a small quote..

The next phase of works for the platform on Park Terrace/Ravensworth Street side of the station will commence from Friday 20 September at 11:00 pm and finishing on Monday 23 September at 5:30 am.



Works will be undertaken continuously during this time.



Works will then progress on night shifts only from 11:30 pm – 5:30 am, Monday – Thursday. The works will include:

· Removal of the water filled barrier on the old platform.

· Excavation of trial holes to locate potential buried utility pipes and cables.

· Creation of an access way into the trackside area.

· Excavations to remove old platform materials.

 

[swt_passenger]

In terms of Bedlington, shouldn't this be a priority if its to open by December this year? (going by their website here), for the creators behind this line why was there not teams working all the way? ie have people working at the designated spots would this not have opened this quicker? (I admit I don't know the ins/outs of how this works but you would think it would be possible?)

and as I written this question https://www.northumberlandline.uk/post/weekend-overnight-works-at-bedlington (this appeared in last few minutes...) .. just putting a small quote..

Bedlington was deferred until much later quite a while back. I’ll try and find the explanation, but it’s been known the station openings would be phased since about January. Bebside, Northumberland Park and Bedlington were all deferred by about 6 months after the other 3 stations, but the latest was that Bedlington is not currently expected to open until late 2025, as mentioned here:

Northumberland Line reopening: progress updates

If that’s what they call a “Metro Gold Card” it will not be valid. Please see the second linked article in post #952. I do not believe the Bus Pass is a "Gold Card" as such, but probably is treated in much the same way. I do understand that Railcards will give a discount on the normal prices.

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[kez19]

Bedlington was deferred until much later quite a while back. I’ll try and find the explanation, but it’s been known the station openings would be phased since about January. Bebside, Northumberland Park and Bedlington were all deferred by about 6 months after the other 3 stations, but the latest was that Bedlington is not currently expected to open until late 2025, as mentioned here:

Northumberland Line reopening: progress updates

If that’s what they call a “Metro Gold Card” it will not be valid. Please see the second linked article in post #952. I do not believe the Bus Pass is a "Gold Card" as such, but probably is treated in much the same way. I do understand that Railcards will give a discount on the normal prices.

www.railforums.co.uk

Thanks for the explanation, seems like I won’t be using the line til next year sadly (don’t get me wrong I’ve been to past the Ashington/Bedlington area by bus but be different that’s for sure!)

 

[androdas]

As a separate subject, I was wondering if you knew if all the level crossings were now working in their final condition, and has the demolition of the boxes, such as Marchey’s House, started yet?

Marcheys House and North Seaton boxes were demolished months ago (around April I think, right at the start of the resignalling) and the crossings at Marcheys, North Seaton and Green Lane are all working on obstacle detection without crossing keepers and have been for a couple of Months now.

Edit - Just for completeness from what I know of the other boxes in the area Bedlington North is out of use but there are no plans to demolish, Bedlington South is now a Gate Box, Newsham is OOU and due to be demolished as it is structurally unsound and the two on the Cambois freight only branch Winning and Freemans remain as they were not part of the resignalling.

 

[swt_passenger]

Marcheys House and North Seaton boxes were demolished months ago (around April I think, right at the start of the resignalling) and the crossings at Marcheys, North Seaton and Green Lane are all working on obstacle detection without crossing keepers and have been for a couple of Months now.

Thanks for the update.

 

[norbitonflyer]

Is there any significance in the trains on this line showing 2Txx headcodes (instead of 3Txx) from 21st October?

 

[androdas]

Is there any significance in the trains on this line showing 2Txx headcodes (instead of 3Txx) from 21st October?

I think December is still going to be the most realistic target. In terms of progress on the first 3 stations and this is just as an interested bystander, Ashington is complete and I had a look last weekend all the construction equiptment and the site compound are gone and there is just some temporary fencing stopping you from getting on the platform. I have not been past Newsham for a while but that is probably I think that still has a bit to go until it is ready, I dont really have much cause to visit Seaton Deleval but I think that is pretty well advanved given it is just a single platform and small car park.

I think one of the big challenges is getting the drivers and conductors trained. I have been watching the route learning with interest and all the paths are used most days, in fact there have been a 4 car 156 & 158 running this afternoon. In this article about the first driver being passed out on the line, Northern mention their plan is to train 100 drivers on the route eventually so I would imagine that will take time. Full Article here:

https://www.northumberlandline.uk/p...s-on-new-northumberland-line-ahead-of-opening

Northern has a long-term plan to ensure there will be more than 100 drivers who can safely operate passenger trains on the Northumberland Line, which runs from Newcastle to Ashington.

Northern has recruited 43 people to work on the Northumberland Line so far, including 15 conductors, two revenue protection officers, two fitters, two train presentation operatives, a driver team manager and a conductor team manager.

The drivers and conductors have been completing test runs since August, to ensure they have an in-depth knowledge of the route and can safely run passenger services.

Edit: for those interested in signalling there has today been 3 videos posted on the website produced by the NRM and the Signalling Record Society that document the resignalling of the line and show the changes that have been made. With some views inside some of the now demolished / decomissioned boxes and show operations at Lynemouth Power Station and on the Cambois Branch. You can find the at this link:

Signalling History Shared

Ahead of the Northumberland Line resignalling project commencing earlier this year, the Signalling Recording Society were invited by Network Rail to record the historic semaphore signalling that ran the line before digital signalling was installed.Each of the signal boxes along the line were...

www.northumberlandline.uk

 

[swt_passenger]

Is there any significance in the trains on this line showing 2Txx headcodes (instead of 3Txx) from 21st October?

I think you might have caught them while it was a work in progress. If you check the 21st now a significant number are now STP changes to class 3. I think I noticed this happen before a few months ago, it may be that they normally load the base timings and then do the STP changes straight away, but I don’t think they can do the STP process for too many weeks at a time?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Oct 2024 ==

Edit: for those interested in signalling there has today been 3 videos posted on the website produced by the NRM and the Signalling Record Society that document the resignalling of the line and show the changes that have been made. With some views inside some of the now demolished / decomissioned boxes and show operations at Lynemouth Power Station and on the Cambois Branch. You can find the at this link:

That’s interesting stuff, so thanks for linking. Also shows how quickly a couple of the redundant boxes came down, (as we were discussing a few weeks ago). They also explain that Bedlington North box will remain and become NR offices. There can’t be many crossings like Freemans with full road barriers but no flashing lights for road users? (Someone will jump in now with numerous examples…)

 

[kez19]

I know this maybe a bit irrelevant but noticed Apple maps has got the line in place (hasn't got the stations marked in yet).

 

[swt_passenger]

I know this maybe a bit irrelevant but noticed Apple maps has got the line in place (hasn't got the stations marked in yet).

I wonder why they’ve labelled it “Northern” rather than the usual “National Rail”?

 

[mrd269697]

Has anyone got any recent photos of the stations in development?

 

[swt_passenger]

Has anyone got any recent photos of the stations in development?

The Northumberland line official site, best just to browse the stories. There are also monthly newsletters on there:

News | Northumberland Line

www.northumberlandline.uk

 

[Killingworth]

Has anyone got any recent photos of the stations in development?

Newsham on 9th September



On the same date Bebside looked a lot further from completion so didn't try going any closer.

 

[kez19]

I wonder why they’ve labelled it “Northern” rather than the usual “National Rail”?

I did wonder that too, at a guess is it because it’s who is running the service? As I did another look and it’s similar towards Carlisle (listed as Northern than National Rail), could it be that “newer” lines are listed as the operators than National Rail?